A descriptive correlational design was used to study quality of life and coping in 39 clients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Quality of life was measured by using the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) and Cantril's Ladder; coping strategies were measured with Jalowiec's Coping Scale Revised (JCS). SIP and Cantril's Ladder scores revealed that the subjects experienced a high quality of life. Total coping scores were low, however, implying that patients used the JCS coping Show moreA descriptive correlational design was used to study quality of life and coping in 39 clients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Quality of life was measured by using the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) and Cantril's Ladder; coping strategies were measured with Jalowiec's Coping Scale Revised (JCS). SIP and Cantril's Ladder scores revealed that the subjects experienced a high quality of life. Total coping scores were low, however, implying that patients used the JCS coping strategies only minimally and did not find them particularly helpful. A moderately strong relationship was found between the objective and subjective measures of quality of life. Coping strategies and quality of life were found not to be significantly related. Findings suggest that the caregivers of those with severe COPD should consider the client's perception of quality of life and use of coping strategies. Further research is needed to determine the factors that affect quality of life for these persons. Show less